What are Spotsylvania County Public Records?
Spotsylvania County public records contain documents created by state and local agencies. According to Section 2.2-3701 of the Virginia Code, public records in Spotsylvania County include audio recordings, videotapes, typewriting, photographs, or letters prepared by public officers. Public records are often created in digital format or paper copies depending on the type of record and the agency in charge of creating it. Virginia's FOIA aims to foster improved knowledge of governmental actions among all people. However, the law also gives record custodians the right to refuse disclosure of records containing sensitive information. Some of these exemptions include:
- Employee files, legal documents, test materials, and other records under § 2.2-3705.1
- Documents that may negatively affect public safety according to § 2.2-3705.2
- Records involving active investigations by administrative offices like the Department of Health Professions, Department of Criminal Justice Services, and other departments listed under § 2.2-3705.3
- Certain records created for educational purposes according to § 2.2-3705.4
- Health records and reports listed under § 2.2-3705.5
- Proprietary documents and other information filed as confidential according to § 2.2-3705.6
- Estate tax returns, state income, and other records created by special public officials listed under § 2.2-3705.7
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Spotsylvania County Crime Statistics
According to the 2020 crime report from the Virginia Data Analysis and Reporting Team (DART), law enforcement agencies in Spotsylvania County recorded 2,938 total index crimes. These index crimes include 1,427 crimes against property, 677 crimes against persons, and 834 crimes against society. The major index crimes of particular interest included 82 sex-related offenses, 74 larceny-thefts, 110 aggravated assaults, 46 burglaries, and 5 murders. According to the 2020 crime report, the predominant crime in Spotsylvania County is simple assault, with 603 cases reported while there are only 2 arsons. The crime rate in Spotsylvania County has reduced by 4.4% since 2019.
Are Spotsylvania County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Spotsylvania County criminal records are public and available at the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office. requestors may visit the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours to process this request.
Another way to obtain Spotsylvania County criminal records is through the Virginia State Police. Interested persons can obtain criminal records by completing an online SP-167 request form. Note that a copy of a criminal record in Virginia costs $15. requestors can make payments via money orders, checks (business or certified), or credit/debit cards. Make money orders and checks to the Virginia State Police and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive the criminal record. Requests typically go to:
Civil & Applicants Records Exchange
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285
Phone: (804) 674-2131
How to Obtain Spotsylvania County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office publishes arrest blotters, a weekly report showing names of new arrestees as well as the type of offense committed, arrest date, and the arresting officer's name. Police reports are also available at Sheriff's Office, but the requestor must provide the necessary details to facilitate a search. Requests typically go to:
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office
9119 Dean Ridings Lane
Spotsylvania VA, 22553
Phone: (540) 582-7115
Other police departments in Spotsylvania County also provide different methods of accessing arrest records and police reports. Interested persons can contact any of the police departments below:
Fredericksburg Police Department
2200 Cowan Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA
Mary Washington University Campus Police
1301 College Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA
Virginia State Police Division 2 Area 5
3804 Loren Drive
Fredericksburg, VA
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Spotsylvania County
In Spotsylvania County, sex offender information is publicly accessible on the internet. Interested persons can look up this information on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. On the registry, individuals can perform a school search to find offenders who are enrolled in colleges and universities. Residents in Spotsylvania County can use the county search to find sex offenders in the county. It is also possible to search by name, address, or zip code.
Sex offenders in the county are required by law to register their names on the statewide sex offender registry. Public agencies in the county are required to make this information open to all individuals to ensure they are aware of former sex offenders living in the community.
How to Find Spotsylvania County Inmate Records
Spotsylvania County Sheriff is in charge of all operations in the county jail. Individuals looking for Spotsylvania County inmate records can do so by contacting or calling the sheriff using the details below:
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office
9119 Dean Ridings Lane
Spotsylvania VA, 22553
Phone: (540) 582-7115
Interested persons can also find inmates housed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The regional jail serves Spotsylvania. requestors can use the online inmate search by inputting inmates' booking numbers, names, and age brackets.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Spotsylvania County Jail?
Prisoners in Spotsylvania County are committed into the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The regional jail is open to professionals (clergymen, doctors, etc.) and regular visitors. Professionals are required to bring a valid photo I.D. or any other identification from their organizations. Registration for visiting professionals takes place at the lobby office, while regular visitors should schedule a visit at least 24 hours before coming to the jail. To successfully schedule a visit, a regular visitor must provide the following information:
- Name and jail number of the inmate
- Pictures of driver's license, state-issued I.D., or any other valid I.D.
- Telephone number
- Email address
Professionals and regular visitors should read the rules and regulations of the regional jail. This is important to ensure that their visiting privileges are not revoked due to non-compliance with the jail rules.
Spotsylvania County Court Records
Spotsylvania County court records reveal information regarding all court proceedings in local courts. There are three courts in Spotsylvania County; circuit, district, and juvenile/domestic relations court. Generally, the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all cases that are beyond the smaller courts. The Spotsylvania County district court handles both civil and criminal cases. The Circuit Court Clerk is the record custodian for Spotsylvania County court records.
Spotsylvania County Clerk of Court
9107 Judicial Center Lane
P.O. Box 96
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 507-7600
Email: cjett@spotsylvania.va.us
Locations of Courts in Spotsylvania County
Spotsylvania County Circuit Court (15th Judicial Circuit)
9107 Judicial Center Lane
P.O. Box 96
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 507-7600
Fax: (540) 582-2169
Spotsylvania County General District Court (15th Judicial District)
9113 Courthouse Road
P.O. Box 339
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 507-7680
Fax: (540) 582-7288
Spotsylvania County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
9113 Courthouse Road
P.O. Box 157
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 507-7676
Fax: (540) 582-2029
Are Spotsylvania County Court Records Public?
Court records in Spotsylvania County are open to the public unless restricted by court order or statute. These records are available at the county courthouse. Requestors can also find civil court records online through the Online Case Information System for Spotsylvania County District Court. Alternatively, use the Virginia Courts Case Information to find civil court records handled by the Spotsylvania County Circuit Court.
How to Obtain Spotsylvania County Civil Court Case Records
A civil court case in Spotsylvania County involves a settlement or disagreement between a plaintiff and a defendant. Examples of these cases are divorce, child custody, alimony, landlord/tenant disputes, etc. The district or circuit court has jurisdiction over Spotsylvania County civil court cases depending on the amount of settlement or the seriousness of the case. The circuit court clerk is the record custodian for civil court records in Spotsylvania. requestors can obtain these records from the Record Department of the Court Clerk's office by mail, email, call, or in person. Each copy of the court record requested cost $0.50/page, while certified copies cost $2.00.
Spotsylvania County Clerk of Court
9107 Judicial Center Lane
P.O. Box 96
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 507-7600
Email: cjett@spotsylvania.va.us
How to Obtain Spotsylvania County Criminal Court Records
In Spotsylvania County, criminal court records contain details of criminal cases handled by the district or circuit court judge. requestors can obtain these records from the Record Department of the Court Clerk's office by mail, email, call, or in person. Each copy of the criminal court record requested cost $0.50/page, while certified copies cost $2.00.
Spotsylvania County Clerk of Court
9107 Judicial Center Lane
P.O. Box 96
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 507-7600
Email: cjett@spotsylvania.va.us
What are Spotsylvania County Vital Records?
Spotsylvania County vital records include birth records, marriage records, divorce records, and other records showing key events of the resident's life. As such, the authorized record custodian of vital records in Spotsylvania may refuse to disclose vital records publicly depending on the date the record was created. Generally, old vital records are open to all interested parties. Eligible persons may contact the court clerk or local health department to obtain vital records in Spotsylvania County. At the state level, the Office of Vital Records provides different methods of obtaining marriage, divorce, birth, and death certificates.
Where and How to Obtain Spotsylvania County Divorce Records
Spotsylvania County divorce records are created by the court clerk where the divorce case was finalized. The Office of Vital Records in Virginia also provides access to divorce certificates. However, requestors can only have access to records that were created 25 years ago. New divorce certificates are available to only immediate family members and legal representatives of the record holder. Record seekers can obtain Spotsylvania County divorce records by completing a divorce record application form. Afterward, mail the completed form to:
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Note that a requested copy costs $12, which should be paid through money order or check. requestors should also send the mail along with a legible and clear copy of acceptable photo identification. Once the application for divorce records is approved, the department will send a tracking I.D. to the requestor. With this tracking number, requestors can track their applications online. An alternative method of obtaining divorce records is by visiting the department in person using the address below.
Office of Vital Records
2001 Maywill Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Available hours: Monday to Friday between 7:00 AM– 4:30 PM
Where and How to Get Public Spotsylvania County Marriage Records
Spotsylvania County marriage records contain details of married persons in the county. requestors can obtain these records from the Office of Vital Records in Virginia. However, only marriage records that were created 25 years ago are available to the public. New marriage certificates are available to only the couples, immediate family members, and legal representatives of the record holder. Record seekers can obtain Spotsylvania County marriage records by completing a marriage certificate request form. Afterward, mail the completed form to:
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Note that a requested copy costs $12, which should be paid through money order or check. Record searchers should also send the mail along with a legible and clear copy of acceptable photo identification. Once the application for marriage records is approved, the department will send a tracking I.D. to the requestor. requestors can track their applications online using the tracking I.D. An alternative method of obtaining divorce records is by visiting the department in person using the address below.
Office of Vital Records
2001 Maywill Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Available hours: Monday to Friday between 7:00 AM– 4:30 PM
Where and How to Find Confidential Marriage Records in Spotsylvania County
Marriage records in Spotsylvania County and other communities in Virginia are available to all individuals. As such, there are no confidential marriage records in the county.
Where and How to Find Spotsylvania County Birth Records
Spotsylvania County birth records reveal the birth date, birthplace, birth location, and other information pertaining to county residents at the time of their birth. Generally, the local health department is in charge of creating these records. However, the Office of Vital Records in Virginia is responsible for providing access to birth certificates. In Spotsylvania County, only the record holder (registrant whose name is on the record), immediate family member, and legal representatives are eligible to obtain birth records. However, requestors can only have access to records that were created 100 years ago. Eligible parties can obtain Spotsylvania County birth records by completing a birth certificate request form. Afterward, mail the completed form to:
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Note that a requested copy costs $12, which should be paid through money order or check. requestors should also send the mail along with a legible and clear copy of acceptable photo identification. Once the application for birth records is approved, the department will send a tracking I.D. to the requestor. With this tracking number, requestors can track their applications online. An alternative method of obtaining birth records is by visiting the department in person using the address below.
Office of Vital Records
2001 Maywill Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Available hours: Monday to Friday between 7:00 AM– 4:30 PM
Where and How to Find Spotsylvania County Death Records
Death records in Spotsylvania County are created by the local health department. Death records show details of deceased persons in the county. The Office of Vital Records in Virginia provides access to Spotsylvania County death certificates. Anyone can only have access to death records that were created 25 years ago. However, new divorce certificates are available to only immediate family members and legal representatives of the deceased person. Record seekers can obtain Spotsylvania County death records by completing a death application form. Afterward, mail the completed form to:
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Note that a requested copy costs $12, which should be paid through money order or check. requestors should also send the mail along with a legible and clear copy of acceptable photo identification. Once the application for death records is approved, the department will send a tracking I.D. to the requestor. With this tracking number, requestors can track their applications online. An alternative method of obtaining death records is by visiting the department in person using the address below:
Office of Vital Records
2001 Maywill Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Available hours: Monday to Friday between 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
